Regular Health Mistakes

All of us make little health mistakes that cause damage to our bodies in the long run - simply because we are unaware we are doing something wrong. Here are some of the most common mistakes made by many of us.

• Crossing our Legs

Do you cross your legs at your knees when sitting? Although we may believe that this is the lady-like elegant way to sit, sitting this way cuts down circulation to your legs. If you don't want varicose veins to mar the beauty of your legs and compromise your health, uncross your legs every time you realize you have one knee on top of the other. The best way to sit is to simply place both legs together on the floor, balancing your weight equally. If you feel like changing position, instead of crossing your legs, simply move both legs together to one side. As an alternative, you could also consider crossing your legs loosely at the ankles. This is a classically elegant way to sit, and is far better for your legs and your health than sitting with your legs crossed at your knees.

• Not changing our Toothbrush

How often do you change your toothbrush? Most of us wait until most of the bristles have either fallen off, or are in such bad shape that we'd be embarrassed to pull out our brush in public. However, since not many of us need to pull out our brush in public, we carry on with our frayed one until we lose it. Replace your toothbrush often. Damaged bristles can harm the enamel, and don't massage your gums well. If you find brushing your teeth a pain like I do, but know you must do it, you might as well be doing it right. Imagine going through the annoyance of brushing your teeth twice a day only to find out that you're damaging your enamel every time you clean your teeth. Also, use a brush with soft bristles unless your dentist has advised otherwise.

• Eating out often

There are oils that are high in cholesterol, and oils that cause little harm and are better for your heart. However, no matter how light the oil is, it is never a good idea to eat too much of it. Avoid fried foods. Remember that in all probability your favorite Indian food restaurant throws a huge, HUGE chunk of butter in a tiny bowl of dal. Rita, who worked in the kitchen of a 5 star hotel, was shocked when she saw the cook chop a 500gm butter slab in half, and throw half into a Paneer Makhani dish. No wonder the customers left licking their fingers. And no wonder they felt so stuffed and heavy afterwards. Limit outdoor eating unless you know that you"re getting served light and healthy food.

• Skipping Breakfast

Never, ever skip breakfast. Remember, when you wake up in the morning it's been around 10-12 hours since your last meal. Your body needs food now, more than at any other time. Eat a heavy breakfast. You will then be busy through the day, and the calories will get expended quickly. If you are trying to diet, eat a light dinner. Here are some more common health mistakes we make. Being informed and making a few changes can help make us feel a whole lot better.

• High Heels

High heels sure look great, but they're murder for your back. This however doesn't mean you should steer clear of stilettos. Wear them, but not when you know you will be walking around a lot. Wear them when going out for lunch or dinner - when the only walking you will be doing is to your car, to the table, and back. Avoid high heels when you are going somewhere on foot. If you are constantly tempted to wear your heels, take a good look at your flats. Is there something about them you dislike? Invest in a new pair of beautiful flats or shoes with a low heel. Buy something you love, that you will enjoy wearing. If possible, get a matching bag. You will then enjoy your flats as much as you do your heels.

• Sleeping on a Soft Bed

You don't have to sleep on the floor be kind to your back, but do make sure you have a firm mattress. Although a mattress on springs is soft and lovely to sink into, it's bad for your back. If you already have an old bed with springs, you don't need to invest in a new one - simply get a thick wooden plank put over the springs, and place the mattress on the plank. Similarly, if your mattress is old and lumpy, throw it out and get a new one. Your neck and your back will thank you. The same rule applies to sofas. If you will be spending hours on a sofa, get a firm yet comfortable one. Sofas you completely sink into are not the best idea.

• Pillows

No matter how comfortable sleeping with ten cushions is, have pity on your neck and resist. Sleep with one pillow, and make sure it is not too thick. If your pillow gets lumpy, discard it and go for a new one. Get a thin pillow if you sleep on your stomach, and something a little thicker if you sleep on your back, to give your neck adequate support.

• Not Exercising

So all of us know we should exercise more, but many of us don't. This is a health mistake we consciously make! And why is that? Simply because we refuse to admit the damage we are causing to our bodies by not working out.. A number of people only start working out once they've experienced a warning signal. Don't wait for a heart attack to strike before you decide to opt for a lifestyle change. Make the change now. You don't need to train for the marathon to be in top shape. Half an hour of brisk walking three to four times a week will make a world of difference to your health. You could then increase this to forty minutes, four times a week - and you're all set. If you haven't exercised for a week, you're making a mistake.

Can you help them?

Hi All,

Every Sunday at YGP audiotorium of Padma Seshadri Bala Bavan, T Nagar, Chennai,India reading session for Visually challenged students is being conducted.

All you need to do is, just drop in at the above said venue and read out the study material brought in by the students. Though the major requirement is for the Tamil reader, we do require English readers to an extent.

The session would start exactly at 10.00 am on every Sunday and ends up at 12.30 pm noon.

FAQs:
1. What if I am not familier with Tamil language?
You can still volunteer yourself to assist students on English.

2. Do I need to bring text books along with me?
No, the students will bring their own materials.

3. Do I need to be a member of any Charitable trusts or clubs to volunteer to this activity?
No, not at all required.

4. How many students will be assigned to a reader?
It depends upon the batch those students belong to. It might vary from 1 to 5 or so.

5.If I am a new comer, Do I need to register to volunteer?
No, not necessary.

6. Can I bring my friends along with me who could also volunteer?
Yes, you can bring frines along with you.

7. Will I be paid any sum for this activity?
No, you wont be paid. Its an 100% self volunteers program.

8. Which organisation/ trust actually run this?
Sathya Sai samiti, Nungambakkam, Chennai.

9. Bus route?
Valluvarkottam bus stop. [47,147,17,147, 10,9 bus series]

10. Venue: Padma Seshadri Bala Bavan, YGP Auditorium, Thirumalai Pillai Road, Chennai 17.

11. Landmark: Vidhyodhaya School, Thirumalai Pillai Road

You can forward this to those who are in chennai.

Dandruff

Dandruff Symptoms

The scales from the scalp fall : When the hair is combed or brushed, or when the scalp is scratched, the scales from the scalp fall like snowflakes and settle on the eye brows, shoulders, and clothes. These scales sometimes appear as lumps or crusts on the scalp.

Itching is there and scalp may become red :Often there is itching as well and the scalp may become red from scratching.


Dandruff Causes

Impairment of general health, wrong food intake, constipation
The main causes of dandruff are impairment of general health, development of a toxic condition mainly due to taking of wrong foods, constipation, and a low vitality due to infectious diseases.

Emotional tension, harsh shampoos, general exhaustion

Other factors contributing to this disorder are emotional tension, harsh shampoos, exposure to cold, and general exhaustion.


Home Remedies for Dandruff

Dandruff treatment using Fenugreek Seeds

The use of fenugreek seeds is one of the most important remedies in the treatment of dandruff. Two tablespoons of these seeds should be soaked overnight in water and ground into a fine paste in the morning. This paste should be applied all over the scalp and left for half an hour. The hair should then be washed thoroughly with soap-nut (ritha) solution or acacia concinna.


Dandruff treatment using Lime

The use of a teaspoon of fresh lime juice for the last rinse, while washing the hair, is another useful remedy. This not only leaves the hair glowing but also removes stickiness and prevents dandruff.


Dandruff treatment using Green Gram Powder

A valuable prescription for removal of dandruff is the use of green gram powder. The hair should be washed twice a week with two tablespoons of this powder mixed with half a cup of curd.


Dandruff treatment using Beet

Beets have been found useful in dandruff. Both tops and roots should be boiled in water and this water should be massaged into the scalp with the finger tips every night. White beet is better for this purpose.


Dandruff treatment using Snake Gourd

The juice of snake gourd has been found beneficial in the prevention and treatment of dandruff. The juice should be rubbed over the scalp for this purpose.


Dandruff treatment using Other Remedies

Dandruff can be removed by massaging the hair for half an hour with curd which has been kept in the open for three days, or with a few drops of lime juice mixed with indian gooseberry juice every night, before going to bed. Another measure which helps to counteract dandruff is to dilute cider vinegar with an equal quantity of water and dab this on to the hair with cotton wool inbetween shampooing. Cider vinegar added to the final rinsing water after shampooing also helps to disperse dandruff.


Dietaries for Dandruff

All-fruit diet with three meala a day of juicy fruits

Diet plays an important role in the treatment of dandruff. To begin with, the patient should resort to an all-fruit diet for about five days and take three meals a day of juicy fruits.
Avoid citrus fruits, bananas, tinned fruits
Citrus fruits, bananas, dried, stewed, or tinned fruits should not be taken.


Well-balanced diet

After the all-fruit diet, the patient can gradually adopt a well-balanced diet, with emphasis on raw foods, especially fresh fruits and vegetables. Further short periods of an all-fruit diet for three days or so may be necessary at monthly intervals till the skin's condition improves.

Avoid strong tea/coffee, pickles, refined and processed foods

Meats, sugar, white flour, strong tea or coffee, condiments, pickles, refined and processed foods should all be avoided.


Other Dandruff treatments

Keep hair and scalp clean to avoid accumulation of dead cells

The foremost consideration in the treatment of this disorder is to keep the hair and scalp clean so as to minimise the accumulation of dead cells.

Hair should be brushed daily to improve circulation

The hair should be brushed daily to improve the circulation and remove any flakiness. The most effective way to brush the hair is to bend forward from the waist with the head down towards the ground, and brush from the nape of the neck towards the top of the head. The scalp should also be thoroughly massaged everyday, using one's finger tips and working systematically over the head. This should be done just before or after brushing the hair. Like brushing, this stimulates the circulation, dislodges dirt and dandruff, and encourages hair growth. Exposure of the head to the rays of the sun is also a useful measure in the treatment of dandruff.


Warm-water enema

During the first five days of the treatment when the patient takes an all-fruit diet, a warm-water enema should be taken daily to cleanse the bowels. Simultaneously, an attempt should be made to keep the body in good health.


How to Cure Dandruff

Dandruff is due to the excessive shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp.
As it is normal for skin cells to die and flake off, a small amount of flaking is normal and in fact quite common.
Some people, however, either chronically or as a result of certain triggers,
experience an unusually large amount of flaking, which can also be accompanied by redness and irritation.

HAJ: Handy Tips

• Avoid staring at people.

• Avoid talking to people of the opposite sex.

• Do not ask someone of the opposite sex for directions or help if lost. It could be misinterpreted.

• Do not smoke inside or outside mosques. It is insulting.

• Take you shoes off when entering a mosque.

• Avoid taking pictures of women.

• If you find an empty seat and there is person of the opposite sex sitting next to it, do not take it.

• Avoid carrying too much cash.

• Do not count money in public places.

• Do not use private cars as taxis. Always use licensed taxis or public transport.

• Always carry a map with you.

• Keep children with you at all times. They can easily get lost in a crowd.

• Do not take cameras inside the Holy Mosques.

• Use all your time in worship. Remember that we are required to do Haj only once in our lifetime. It is not easy to come to Saudi Arabia every year. So use all the time on your hand for worship: praying, reciting the Qur’an and making dua’a (supplication).

• Try to attend religious lectures and talks inside the Two Holy Mosques. Simultaneous interpretation is always provided.

• Remember that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Paradise is the reward for a perfect Haj”. So ensure that your pilgrimage is as perfect as possible by staying away from anything that might mar it — such as spiteful and unkind remarks, bad-mouthing other people, looking at women lustfully and getting involved in brawls.